Effective street self defence?

Question

I'm looking to take up a self defence class of some kind. But I want something that is practical, in the sense that not only is it totally effective for the street, in terms of technique, but, MORE IMPORTANTLY , it takes into consideration the phsycological aspect of confrontation (adrenal response, handling fear etc) Basically I'm looking for something as REALISTIC as possible. I'm currently reading Geoff Thompson's "Watch My Back" (anyone out there read it? that says it all for me; I'm looking for something that effectively addresses all of the issues he talks about in the book. I live in London-hope someone can help and point me in the right direction

Answer 1

Pepper Spray. That is the best form of defense as it will put out an attacker immediately with no chance to attack.

Answer 2

Any of the traditional arts will address the psychological aspects in the training.

But realism in training may not really be what you are looking for. Keep in mind that the "on the street" conflict you are thinking about may involve someone who is actually trying to kill you. Realistic training, then, would involve your death if you make a mistake. Not a great training methodology.

There are two general approaches to dealing with this and each has its proponents and detractors:

1) Kata and slow simulation. The idea here is to train your body to move in effective ways on such an instinctive level that you will do the right thing no matter what your mental state is. This training is usually accompanied by some sort of randori type practice which allows you to be fluid and creative. In the long run, this training often is most effective, but it takes a long time to get there. In the meantime you may be incapable of effective use of what you are learning.

2) Competition. This is the quick way to get there and some people feel that it's "realistic". Well, in fact, it's no more realistic than other training methods, but it *is* a quick way to develop the instinct needed to effectively use what you've learned. In the short run, this way is definitely superior. The main problem with competition is the rules: because there are rules you can get into the habit of following them or expecting the other guy to follow them and set yourself up for problems in "street" defense.

Really, there comes a point where you just have to meditate and convince yourself that you can and will use what you've learned. Both of the above ways will get you by to a point and then it's up to you to get past the limitations they present. If you get past those limitations, you'll do fine. If not, well, no amount of training will really help you.

Even in the competition model, so called "street competence" will not happen instantaneously. It takes years to become truly proficient. It takes even longer to be confident enough in your proficiency to overcome psychological barriers.

Even so, if you train with some dedication you'll be surprised at how almost any art will actually help in a physical confrontation, even before you have mastered it.

Answer 3

Any Martial Art has a practical aspect to it, it's all in your training as to how you will use what ever discipline you learn, because ther is NO BEST Martial Art and all have their strengths and their weaknesses, but the true weakness is the individual that studies it.

Krav Maga is a vicious discipline to learn because it's a Modern Combat Art that was developed by the Israelis back in the mid 40's and it does have practical applications as ANY other Martial Art will have.

again What you have to realize that on the street, your opponent is not gonna attack you in a set position as you would while you're training in a class setting, he's gonna put everythin' he's got into the fight to hurt you or even kill you, so there are no rules and you do what you must to survive, no matter what level of force you'll wind up using to defend yourself.

If you study any of the traditional Martial Arts, or most of the Martial Arts out there will have a sparring aspect that will allow you to get that feeling of a real fight, but another thing is you'll likely spar someone that's at a similar level as you, whereas on the street; you don't know what kinda skill your opponent possesses.

you just need to find a school that interests you, and make sure that they focus on training properly to perfect the students techniques, but the instructor can only teach you so much; so you must train at times other than just in class such as when you are at home to improve.

the more you train, and train to perfect your techniques, the more you'll improve. If you don't you'll never get beyond the basic knowledge of what you have learned and apply it.

Answer 4

it depends on how much work the practitioner has put into their training and whether the instructor put sufficient time in teaching the practical applications of the techniques. Too amny instructors don't teach the self-defense applications of the techniques and focus on competition, erroneously portrayinf the idea that if you can win at tournament, you can win in the street. I have seen far to many people in both stryles that were champions in sparring in tournements that couldn't handle themselves in a real life confrontation. They had gotten so used to having rules, protective gear and a referee that they coudln't deal with a situation that didn't have those things. One thing that people tend to forget is that not every technique is effective in every situation. If they were then there would only be 1 punch, 1 kick and 1 block. That's where the completeness of training comes into play. I have always stressed the practical self-defense applications when I teach with the understanding that most practical self defense techniques wouldn't be allowed in competition as they are too dangerous and outside the rules of most tournements, even the "so-called" full contact venues have rules and techniques that are not allowed. I have, over the last 30 odd years used both Kung Fu and Karate effectively in street self-defense, as well as several other styles that I have studied and I can say that it came down to situation as to which styles I was using techniques from, and that all came down to how I was trained. If an instructor isn't putting the emphasis on practical self-defense application that is necessary for being able to use the style...then find a diferent teacher.

Answer 5

Try San Soo Kung Fu if it's available. I took it for a while and some of the stuff is bad as.s. Otherwise you should go with Krav Maga. Wing Chun is pretty sweet too.

But if you really want to learn adrenal control the only way to control it is to feel it. And to get the adrenal glands flowing you'll have to put yourself into a position where they will get active, such as getting into real fights (not a great idea) or enteriing competitions. Otherwise everything you'll have learned will be just simulation and you won't know how to control your emotions when confronted.

Answer 6

One of the most effective systems that is easily learnt and proven to be extremely effective is Kempo Ju-Jitsu.

Ju-Jitsu is based on the original fighting system used by Japanese Samurai warriors to fight their way off the battle field when they had become disarmed; it is from Ju-Jitsu that the sport version of Judo developed. Kempo Ju-Jitsu employs additional striking techniques designed to incapacitate an opponent quickly - the idea is not to go 10 rounds with your attacker but to end the conflict quickly.

There are a number of Ju-Jitsu clubs in the London area and the offices of the British Martial Arts Association are near to Kings Cross Rialway Station - they will help you find a suitable club. Go to: http://www.bnmaa.co.uk/

Answer 7

I prefer Judo to standard Karate styles and Kick Boxing because we actually do get to throw people, learn arm-locks, strangles and self defence.... rather than learning to kick the air..!! Juditsu is the non-sporting, even more self defensive version. Expect injuries though. Each year our club runs several "Budo" days where we try many martial arts for comparison... The best one for defense and with realistic "What IF" training.. is Kempo Karate... otherwise called "American street fighting"... Even for a Judo fanatic, this was Awesome...You will have to try a few styles as some suit different mentailties and builds.
Finally, if you are in a fight, don't shout "HELP" no one will come... Shout "FIRE" everyone will look... just don't shout it if the attacker has a gun!!!

Answer 8

If you wish to learn how to stop any type of abuse the you will have to have the program of Bruce Perry, Patriot Self Defense , a course that you simply will find it here https://tr.im/CyyRz
Patriot Self Defense may coach you on a very efficient self-defense system that's been field-tested in properties, at government functions and on a few of the meanest streets on earth against the absolute most callous, shrewd and dangerous criminal.
With Patriot Self Defense you may find out that's much easier then you definitely expected to defend yourself since you never have to be a professional or have power, you only have to understand how to do specific moves, easy techniques but deathly.

Answer 9

You want to learn effective street defense. This means you need to take a martial art that goes sparring...the more sparring the better. Some arts that are extremely effective on the street, and do sparring in every lesson (see a trend here?) are brazilian jiu jitsu, muay thai, boxing, kyokushin karate (the ONLY effective karate out there), and judo is pretty good too.

But probably more tailored to your direct question (something as realistic as possible for street defense) I'd agree with Krav Maga as it is designed with knife, gun, stick attacks, etc.

Read about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krav_maga

Answer 10

Think its called Krav magna or something similar. Its a defence used by the Israel defence force. Used totally for street fighting, putting someone out of the game as quickly as possible. I'd like to do it but cant find a club nearby. I do Ju jitsu. Thats a good one too.

Answer 11

Colt 45 (not really) I would suggest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). BJJ is not a way to overpower people but a way to do the most damage with the least amout of force. Rather than beating someone, it teaches how to break an ancle or choke them in a way that they pass out but don't die. Good luck.